Music Promo Blog: What Every Musician Should Know About Podcasting

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What Every Musician Should Know About Podcasting

As a podcaster, I'd like to think that most artists have at least heard of podcasting, even if they don't understand it. But just in case, let me educate you a little bit.

The term "podcast" was coined by Adam Curry combining "broadcast" and "iPod". Despite the name, no iPod is needed. A podcast in its basic form is just a downloadable radio show... an MP3. What makes it exceptional is that how it is distributed.

By using a program called a podcatcher (like iTunes or iPodder), a podcast is automatically downloaded to your computer. This makes it powerful format for distributing content and avoids such things as filters by your email program.

Since it is basically a downloadable radio show, there are now tens of thousands of new radio shows that may be willing to play YOUR music. The trick is getting your music into their show. I'm learning a few tricks on how to do just that.

For now, let me guide you to two websites that offer podsafe music.

1. PodsafeAudio
This was one of the first websites offering Podsafe music. They offer a special Creative Commons license for podcast.

Podsafe music is music that you own 100%. The songs are either public domain or written by you. You owe No royalties on the music. Cover songs are not podsafe.

2. Podsafe Music Network
This site was designed by Adam Curry. It has a brilliant, simple way of notifying artists each time their music is played in a podcast.

That's all for now. Next time, I'll teach you a secret trick on how you can promote your band in a podcast.

Bard Marc Gunn of the Brobdingnagian Bards has helped 1000's of musicians save and make money with their musical groups through his monthly newsletter, Bards Crier Music Marketing and Promotion Ezine. Now you can get FREE "how-to" music marketing and promotion advice by visiting www.bardscrier.com. No time to visit the site? Subscribe to the Bards Crier Ezine for Free. Just email subscribe@bardscrier.com

--posted by Marc Gunn at Thursday, March 02, 2006
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